A red sandstone stele of Sarasvati

In the Vedic era, the goddess Sarasvati was considered a personification of the river of that same name. In ancient times, the Sarasvati was apparently as important a river as the Ganges or Yamuna, but over time eventually dried out into a lesser waterway. The goddess, however, continued to play an important role in Indian religion, becoming a deity of learning and knowledge in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. In all likelihood, the present example belongs to the latter religion, as evidenced by the diminutive jina seated above her head. The book she holds in her left hand is a visual metaphor for the knowledge one may gain through devotion to the goddess.